How to define Martha Stewart? Owner of a media empire, lifestyle guru, television personality, editor, entrepreneur. These are titles commonly attributed to this American who has been convicted and imprisoned for fraud and conspiracy, but who has a natural talent for turning everything she touches into money.
But now, at 81 years old, she has just gained another title: she became the cover star of the prestigious Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, released on Monday, May 15.
She is not the first woman over 60 to appear on the cover. At 74, Maye Musk claimed that title. But Stewart made history by becoming the oldest person on the cover of the famous edition.
Stewart gave an interview to The New York Times and talked about the unusual photoshoot for the magazine. Check out the best parts below.
NYT: What gave you the courage to pose?
MS: Actually, this was quite a big challenge. I had to make sure I was ready to pose in a swimsuit. It took a bit of vanity, but also a bit of confidence. I thought, “If I’m feeling good physically and mentally to do something like this, I’m ready for it.”
NYT: Did the preparation take a lot of work?
MS: I’m still healthy, my hair looks nice, and my skin is good. As for filters, forget it. I keep up with my facial appointments with Mario Badescu. I’ve been doing that religiously once a month for over 40 years.
NYT: And your body?
MS: I had basically two months to make sure I felt good enough about my appearance. If I thought my waist was too big, I wouldn’t have done it. But after doing Pilates three times a week, I thought I could. Plus, I went to the tanning booth and got a light tan, something I’ve never done.
NYT: Were there physical challenges during the shoot?
MS: I had to wear nine different swimsuits. All those people were poking me and talking about “the girls.” I’ve never called my breasts “the girls” in my life. I hate things like that. The whole time, those people were like: “Take this off, push that in.” I had to endure that for eight hours. Still, we were filming in the Dominican Republic and I had a lot of fun.
Source: The New York Times